Aledia makes very tiny nanowire microLEDs that have high external quantum efficiency and a narrow emission cone. They grow these nanowire emitter in GaN on silicon wafer and are able to create monochrome solutions or native RGB solutions in single epitaxial runs. Pixels of various sizes can be created using single nanowires (3.5 microns) to larger sizes that feature many nanowire emitters. Simple planar microLED solutions will be first from their new factory for backlights of video wall applications followed by CMOS based solutions for AR. Longer term will be other direct view applications once the mass transfer of tiny microLEDs is perfected.
Introduction
Chris Chinnock here for Insight Media at the Aledia booth during CES 2025. Aledia is a microLED manufacturer with a unique proposition: their technology is based on nanowires, which are extremely tiny emitters—about one micron in size.
What is Aledia?
Aledia can grow these nanowires in two ways:
- Single-color emitters (blue, red, or green)
- Native RGB emitters grown on a single wafer in one epitaxial run—a capability few others have.
Key Advantages
- External Quantum Efficiency (EQE):
In blue, Aledia achieves over 40% EQE, which is among the highest in the industry. - Vertical Emission Cone:
Unlike planar microLED devices with wide emission cones, Aledia’s nanowires emit light in a narrow ±12° vertical cone. This is critical for efficient light coupling into waveguides for AR applications.
Factory and Production
Aledia has established a new factory in France with state-of-the-art equipment. They’ve already delivered their first devices and are working on development projects.
Current Development
The first project is a planar LED solution—a blue LED packaged in a bottom-bump configuration. This proof-of-concept will allow quick deployment for PCB applications such as digital signage or LCD TV backlights.
- Size: 150 × 150 microns
- Standard chip-on-board solution
Next-Generation AR Solution
Aledia is developing a 1280 × 720 RGB display with:
- Native RGB grown in one epitaxial process
- Pixel size: 2.475 microns
- Diagonal: 0.2 inches
This direct-emitter design can couple light into waveguides and deliver high brightness. Brightness comes from aggregating nanowires into a pixel—like a “forest” of emitters—ensuring strong luminance even if some nanowires fail.
Two lead customers are already engaged in this project.
Long-Term Vision
Aledia aims to use single nanowire devices, but their lower emission requires mass transfer solutions, which are not yet available at this scale. A possible interim step is packaging multiple nanowires into 15 × 30 micron modules—closer to current microLED standards.
Conclusion
Aledia’s nanowire technology offers significant advantages for AR and display applications. With high EQE, efficient light coupling, and scalable designs, they are positioned to make a major impact in the coming years. Stay tuned for more updates.